NEW PUBLISHER: The publisher of the (Monmouth) Daily Review Atlas and two area weekly publications — The (Aledo) Times Record and The Paper, of Galesburg — was named publisher of The Register-Mail Monday. GALESBURG/Illinois/posted.

STATE BRIEFS: A collection of briefs from GateHouse newspapers across the state. Posted by 6 p.m./Illinois and Illinois News.

RICKEY WEIR: The former business manager of Cardinal Respiratory, charged in a health-care billing fraud scheme, is going to court Tuesday to ask U.S. District Judge Jeanne Scott to modify the terms of his bond so he can leave Sangamon County to consult with his lawyers in Chicago. The U.S. attorney's office vehemently opposes any change in bond-related restrictions and instead might ask that Weir be jailed again because of his alleged propensity for wiring money to Nigeria and making preparations to flee the country. OLSEN/SPRINGFIELD/Illinois News

TAYLORVILLE ENERGY: Developers of coal-gasification project stopping by today to update us on progress, or lack of progress. Big hang-up apparently remains legislation that would require Ameren and ComEd to buy a certain amount of power from the plant. LANDIS/SPRINGFIELD/Illinois News

HOME TOWN AWARDS: State and local officials gathered today to honor volunteer projects by handing out the 26th Annual Governor's Home Town Awards. The awards recognize volunteer efforts throughout the state in various categories, such as Youth Involvement, Senior Citizen Involvement and Parks & Recreation. COLINDRES/SPRINGFIELD/Illinois News

STATE RETIREMENT: How are state retirement systems (state employees, teachers, university, judges, General Assembly) faring in the stock market downturn. HEUPEL/SPRINGFIELD/on merits.

MATT TROWBRIDGE: Retiring Coach Novak made NIU stand for class as much as wins. COLUMN/ROCKFORD/Illinois Sports.

ILLINOIS vs. MARYLAND: Preview. Despite the death of his father last spring to cancer, Illini guard Chester Frazier remained excited about going home and playing. In front of his family for the first time.?With preview capsule. SUPINIE. Champaign.

PACKERS CABLE: Only subscribers to the NFL network will be able to watch Thursday's game between the Packers and Cowboys. This is causing a great deal of disappointment among Packers fans, and has bar owners salivating over increased crowds. ROCKFORD/Illinois Sports and Pro Football.